<p>How do international students buy stuff like textbooks online without a US credit card? Or do most of them get one?</p>
<p>Most students will open a US bank account, the vast majority of which come with a debit card.</p>
<p>Most international students I know have obtained a Visa, Mastercard, American Express card. Most of them do it by just opening a bank account in the US but some have existing cards through Visa, Mastercard, etc. and just buy it using that. Sometimes they have an extra fee for converting the money but it is easier. </p>
<p>I would suggest holding off until you get to the States and trying to open an account. Then purchase the books when you are in the US with your new bank account.</p>